VietJet launches new Thai airline

The official launch ceremony took place in Bangkok on 20 December 2014. Initially the new airline will operate domestic routes from the Thai capital’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Udon Thani.
Airline officials and cabin crew celebrate the launchAirline officials and cabin crew celebrate the launch

But the airline said it hoped to launch international routes “in the near future”. These are likely to include regional destinations in Southeast and Northeast Asia, although the airline has also commenced a series of charter flights to India.

“ThaiVieJet was born out of a desire to increasingly offer wonderful flying experiences at the best fares,” said Nguyen Thanh Hung, chairman of ThaiVietJet. “With a modern fleet of brand new aircraft, our professional and friendly flight crew as well as our innovative and creative in-flight activities, I believe ThaiVietJet will soon become one of the most favourable airlines in Thailand and across the region.”

The birth of ThaiVietJet comes just three years after the original VietJet Air was launched in late 2011. Since then, it has grown to become one of Vietnam’s leading carriers, operating multiple domestic routes. This year VietJet has accelerated its international expansion with the start of new services to Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Cambodia.

And in a major statement of intent, the airline has also placed an order with Airbus for 100 A320 jets, deliveries of which commenced last month.

ThaiVietJet will initially operate one 180-seat A320, before adding a further three to five jets each year. It will be one of the only low-cost carriers based at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with rivals AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air all clustered together at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport.